CIA Aid for Syrian Rebels Frozen

As reported by Reuters news agency, aide for CIA-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels has been suspended on the heels of a major Islamic attack last month. The FSA has fought to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in armed action for nearly six years. Although rebel leaders have not been given a reason for the action, they suspect it was done to prevent arms from falling into the hands of other militant groups. Backed by Russia and Iran, President al-Assad has held out against the rebellion and has fortified his position in western Syria. FSA has also received funding from countries that oppose al-Assad including Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump during his campaign stated that he would cut funding to FSA groups and instead intensify efforts to destroy the Islamic State terrorist organization.